Secrets of the Azure Sea - Chapter 36
With that, he instructed someone to deliver their purchases to the castle and led Floria away. Though she felt a little disappointed about the pearl, she bowed politely to the vendor and followed Zanarf.
It wasn’t the pearl itself that intrigued her, but the vendor’s words.
—On this island, men give pearl pendants to the women they love.
Looking around, Floria noticed many women wearing pearl pendants alongside shell ornaments. It seemed to be a symbol of marriage.
Though she had willingly become Zanarf’s wife, the lack of such a symbol made her feel a little lonely.
But that was a trivial concern. Zanarf had been so kind to her.
“…Thank you. I’m sorry I bought so many things..”
“This is your island now, too. You can go to the market whenever you want and buy what you need.”
Floria nodded, touched by Zanarf’s words. She had enjoyed talking to the islanders and learning about their lives.
The island, once dismissed as the home of savage barbarians, was filled with simple, pure-hearted people. Living in harmony with nature, That’s probably why they valued strong bonds and had no tolerance for betrayal or deceit.
As they walked, Floria noticed an old woman at the edge of the market. Her small stall seemed empty, as if she had already sold everything. Curious, Floria approached her.
“What are you selling, grandma?”
The old woman looked up, her wrinkled face piercing Floria with a sharp gaze.
“You will bring calamity to this island.”
Floria’s eyes widened in shock.
“W-What do you mean?”
“But it is a destined trial. When the legendary pearl awakens from its long slumber, the gears of your fate will begin to turn.”
“My fate?”
The old woman’s words sent a chill down Floria’s spine.
“Grandma, I’m sorry. I’ll come back another time.”
As Floria turned to leave, the old woman grabbed her hand.
“Wait! Remember this: the pearl chooses its owner. You and another woman will be tested by it. But when the pearl returns to you, eternal happiness will follow.”
“L-Let go!”
Terrified, Floria pulled away and hurried back to Zanarf, who was chatting with some islanders.
“Floria, what’s wrong? You look pale. Are you tired?”
“No, I’m fine. It’s nothing.”
But the old woman’s words lingered in her mind, filling her with unease.
When she glanced back, the old woman was no longer there. Perhaps she was just a wandering eccentric. Floria decided not to dwell on it.
Leaning closer to Zanarf, she felt his hand tighten around hers.
“This way,” he said, leading her forward.
“Ah… y-yes!”
Floria, who had been about to turn back the way they came, was led by Zanarf onto a different path. She had assumed they were heading back to the castle, but it seemed he had one more detour in mind.
Her spirits, which had sunk at the thought of returning to the sailboat—and to Kyrie—rose again.
She didn’t want to go back yet. If possible, she wanted to stay with him a little longer.
“Where are we going?”
“To my favorite place. I’m sure you’ll love it too.”
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